Endoscope handle with adjustable knob offset

Abstract

An endoscope system includes a first reusable handpiece and a second reusable handpiece. The size of the first reusable handpiece is different from that of the second reusable handpiece. The first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece are selectively attachable and detachable to the same or different disposable shaft assemblies. Reusable handpiece assemblies of different sizes provide improved user ergonomics. Ergonomic variations may include different sizes of reusable handpiece assemblies, different sizes of hinged control knobs, and / or different distances between a centerline of a housing of the reusable handpiece and the knobs and / or between straps of the reusable handpiece and the knobs, which may be customized according to user preferences.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 343,160, filed May 18, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. WO 2018 / 098465, WO 2018 / 191063, WO 2021 / 026231, WO 2022 / 109488, and WO 2022 / 125550 are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to endoscopes. Endoscopes are widely used in various medical procedures to visualize internal cavities within the human body during diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. These procedures often occur at facilities where many clinicians perform such procedures. If a clinician prefers a different endoscope for their procedure, the facility may stock a variety of endoscopes based solely on the clinician's preference, or the doctor may use an endoscope they do not like. Therefore, there is a need for improvements in this area. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to endoscopes. It should be understood that many aspects disclosed may be applicable to other technical fields, but are particularly suitable for other medical devices.

[0005] Examples of endoscopic instruments are disclosed in documents WO 2018 / 098465, WO 2018 / 191063, WO 2021 / 026231, WO 2022 / 109488 and WO 2022 / 125550, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an endoscope assembly including a reusable handpiece and a disposable shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece can be attachable to and detachable from the disposable shaft assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the reusable handpiece is selectively attachable to and detachable from the disposable shaft assembly such that the reusable handpiece can be used continuously with multiple disposable shaft assemblies, while the disposable shaft assembly can be discarded and / or repaired after a single use.

[0008] A system having a first reusable handpiece and a second reusable handpiece is disclosed. The first reusable handpiece may have a different size than the second reusable handpiece and / or have at least one feature that is different from the second reusable handpiece. Both the first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece may be selectively attachable and detachable to a disposable shaft assembly. The first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece may be alternately attachable to the same disposable shaft assembly. The difference in size may be a difference in cross-sectional size, circumference, width, length, and / or volume of the reusable handpiece assembly.

[0009] The first reusable handpiece may include a housing and an articulation assembly, wherein the articulation assembly may include a first articulation controller and / or a second articulation controller. The first and / or second articulation controller may include a knob.

[0010] The distance between the strap of the first reusable handpiece and the axis of rotation of the first articulated controller of the first reusable handpiece may be different from the distance between the strap of the second reusable handpiece and the axis of rotation of the first articulated controller. Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the strap of the first reusable handpiece and the axis of rotation of the second articulated controller of the first reusable handpiece may be different from the distance between the strap of the second reusable handpiece and the axis of rotation of the second articulated controller.

[0011] The distance between the centerline of the first reusable handpiece and the centerline of the first articulation controller (e.g., knob) of the first reusable handpiece may be different from the distance between the centerline of the second reusable handpiece and the first articulation controller (e.g., knob) of the second reusable handpiece.

[0012] The first articulation control knob and / or the second articulation control knob may be selectively attachable and / or detachable to the first reusable handpiece. Advantageously, this may allow the knobs to be interchangeable to customize the endoscope. For example, a system may include a first articulation control knob and a second articulation control knob. The first articulation control knob may have a different size than an alternative first articulation control knob and / or may have a different number of outwardly extending petals than the alternative first articulation control knob. Both the first articulation control knob and the alternative first articulation control knob may be alternatively and selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable handpiece.

[0013] Likewise, the system can include a second articulation control knob and an alternative second articulation control knob.Both the second articulation control knob and the alternative second articulation control knob can be alternatively or selectively attached and detached to the first reusable handpiece.

[0014] The system may further include a first brake controller and / or a second first brake controller. The first brake controller may include a knob or a joystick, and the second brake controller may include a knob or a joystick. The first brake controller may have a different size than the second first brake controller. Both the first brake controller and the second first brake controller may be selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable handpiece. The difference in size of the first and second brake controllers may be a difference in radius and / or circumference (e.g., for a knob) and / or a difference in length.

[0015] One or more of the first articulated controller, the alternative first articulated controller, the second articulated controller, and the alternative second articulated controller may be aseptically sealed in the kit. The first articulated controller and / or the second articulated controller are preferably packaged separately from the alternative first control knob and / or the alternative second control knob. The first reusable handpiece, the second reusable handpiece, and the disposable shaft assembly are preferably aseptically sealed within the medical packaging and may be aseptically sealed individually or in combination with one or more other components of the first reusable handpiece, the second reusable handpiece, and the disposable shaft assembly.

[0016] The system may include a first articulation controller and an alternative first articulation controller. The first articulation controller may be a knob and may have more or fewer petals than an alternative first articulation controller (e.g., a knob). Both the first articulation controller and the alternative first articulation controller may be alternatively and selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable handpiece. Advantageously, this allows the user to customize the reusable handpiece. In some embodiments, the first articulation controller includes at least five petals.

[0017] The system may include a second articulation controller and an alternative second articulation controller. The alternative second articulation controller may be a knob and may have more or fewer petals than the second articulation controller (e.g., a knob). Both the second articulation control knob and the alternative second articulation control knob may be alternatively and selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable handpiece. Advantageously, this allows the user to customize the reusable handpiece. In some embodiments, the first articulation control knob includes at least five petals.

[0018] A system (e.g., a production line) is further disclosed. The system may include a first reusable handpiece and a second reusable handpiece. The first reusable handpiece may have a different size than the second reusable handpiece. Both the first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece may be replaceably and selectively attachable and detachable to a disposable shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece may be packaged with the disposable shaft assembly in a sterile sealed medical package. In this configuration, handles of different sizes may be available.

[0019] In some embodiments, the difference in size is a difference in the width of the reusable handpiece assembly. In other embodiments, the difference in size is a difference in the height of the reusable handpiece assembly. In still other embodiments, the difference in size is a difference in the circumference of the reusable handpiece assembly. In other embodiments, the difference in size is a difference in the internal volume of the reusable handpiece assembly.

[0020] The system may include a reusable endoscope handpiece and a disposable endoscope shaft assembly; the reusable endoscope handpiece is selectively attachable to and detachable from the disposable endoscope shaft assembly; the reusable endoscope handpiece includes a housing and an articulation and brake assembly, wherein the articulation and brake assembly includes a first articulation controller, a second articulation controller, and an articulation brake for selectively locking the rotation of the second articulation controller relative to the housing of the reusable endoscope handpiece; and an alternative first articulation controller configured to replace the first articulation controller of the articulation and brake assembly; wherein the alternative first articulation controller is longer than the first articulation controller; and wherein, when the alternative first articulation control knob is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece, a distance between a centerline of the reusable endoscope handpiece and a centerline of the alternative first articulation controller is greater than a distance between a centerline of the reusable endoscope handpiece and a centerline of the first articulation controller when the first articulation controller is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece. The first articulation controller may support a first articulation control knob.The first articulation control knob may be selectively attachable to the first articulation controller or an alternative first articulation controller.

[0021] The differences in knob size may be differences in radius, circumference, length, and / or number of petals.

[0022] Finally, a system is disclosed that includes a reusable handpiece and a disposable shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece can be selectively attached to and detached from the disposable shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece can include a housing with a control switch thereon. An electronic integrated circuit can be positioned within the housing of the reusable handpiece. The electronic integrated circuit can store programming of the functions of the control switch and imaging preferences.

[0023] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of an endoscope assembly is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the endoscope components.

[0026] Figure 3 A perspective view of the articulated knob and brake assembly is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A partially exploded view of the articulation knob and brake assembly is shown with the upper and lower articulation control knobs, the left and right articulation control knobs, and the left and right articulation brake knobs exploded from the assembly.

[0028] Figure 5 A perspective view of the upper and lower hinged brake housings and the upper and lower hinged shafts is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 A perspective view of the left and right articulated brake housings and the left and right articulated shafts is shown.

[0030] Figure 7 A perspective view of a reusable handpiece of an endoscope assembly is shown.

[0031] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Exploded view of the reusable handpiece.

[0032] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C Representative front views of reusable handpieces having different shell sizes are shown.

[0033] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C Shown are front views of upper and lower hinged control knobs of varying sizes.

[0034] Fig.11A , Fig. 11Band Fig. 11C Shown is a front view of an upper and lower hinged control knob having different numbers of petals.

[0035] Fig.12 A side view of a reusable handpiece is shown illustrating the distance between the axis of rotation of the articulation control knob and the back strap.

[0036] Fig.13 A rear view of the reusable handpiece is shown illustrating the distance between the centerline of the handle grip and the centerline of the articulating control knob petal.

[0037] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a system including a reusable handpiece, an articulation knob, and a brake assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to promote the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and specific language will be used to describe the embodiments. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure thereby. Any changes and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure as described herein are considered to be what the technicians in the field involved in the present disclosure would normally think of. Although it is obvious to the technicians in the relevant fields that, for the sake of clarity, some features not related to the present disclosure may not be shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be shown in great detail.

[0039] With respect to the specification and claims, it should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," "the," etc. include plural referents unless explicitly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, reference to "a device" or "the device" includes one or more such devices and their equivalents. It should also be noted that directional terms such as "up," "down," "top," "bottom," etc., are used herein only for the convenience of the reader to help the reader understand the illustrated embodiments, and are not intended to limit the described, illustrated, and / or claimed features to a particular direction and / or orientation using these directional terms in any way.

[0040] The present disclosure provides an endoscope assembly 100 that includes a modular, customizable, reusable handpiece 200 and a disposable shaft assembly 400 . Figure 1 An endoscope assembly 100 is shown. More specifically, Figure 1 Endoscope assembly 100 is shown with a reusable handpiece 200 attached to a disposable shaft assembly 400 . Figure 2Endoscope assembly 100 is shown with reusable hand piece 200 separated from disposable shaft assembly 400. For example, the reusable hand piece can receive the disposable shaft assembly in a direction transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the longitudinal axis 250 of the reusable hand piece. In many cases, when the reusable hand piece and the disposable shaft assembly are coupled to each other, the disposable shaft assembly will move relative to the reusable hand piece in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 350 of the articulation knob and brake assembly 300.

[0041] The reusable handpiece 200 is selectively attachable to and detachable from the disposable shaft assembly 400 such that the reusable handpiece can be used continuously with a number of disposable shaft assemblies, which can be discarded and / or repaired after a single use.

[0042] The reusable handpiece may include a processor and a memory that stores settings for controlling the reusable handpiece (e.g., buttons) and / or for an imaging system connectable to the reusable handpiece. For example, the reusable handpiece memory may store user-customized settings for function buttons and image processing (e.g., image capture, image freeze, image color, focus, and / or sensitivity). The processor and / or memory of the reusable handpiece may be included in an electronic integrated circuit (IC).

[0043] The reusable handpiece and / or the disposable shaft assembly may include a lock for selectively locking the reusable handpiece and the disposable shaft assembly to each other. A latch handle 500 (e.g., a joystick) is used to actuate a latch mechanism that connects the reusable handpiece to the disposable shaft assembly, and the latch handle may be positioned on the reusable handpiece and / or the disposable shaft assembly. Additional locking mechanisms such as magnets may be used alternatively or concurrently.

[0044] The reusable handpiece may include a handle portion, such as a handpiece housing 210 supporting an articulation knob and brake assembly 300; a control switch 202 for operating a light (such as a light emitting diode) and / or an irrigation and / or aspiration fluid path; one or more navigation switches 204 for controlling a console that communicates with an endoscope assembly; and / or an electrical connector 205 for electrically coupling the reusable handpiece to a disposable shaft assembly.

[0045] The disposable shaft assembly may include an insertion tube 401 for insertion into a patient, a tube and electrical connector 402 connected to a console, an access port, and / or an electrical connector for electrically coupling the disposable shaft assembly to a reusable handpiece. The access port is used to selectively access the lumen of the disposable shaft assembly (e.g., for collecting a sample such as a biopsy) and / or for conveying a fluid through the lumen of the disposable shaft assembly.

[0046] A tube and / or electrical connector 402 (sometimes referred to as an "umbilical piece") extends from the endoscope assembly to a cartridge (not shown) that can be connected to a console suitable for use with the endoscope assembly. The tube and / or electrical connector can extend from the disposable shaft assembly and / or from a reusable handpiece. In some embodiments, the umbilical piece can be directly connected to the console, thereby eliminating the need for a cartridge.

[0047] Reference now Figure 3-Figure 6 The articulation knob and brake assembly of the reusable handpiece may include an upper and lower articulation control knob 313, a left and right articulation control knob 314, an upper and lower articulation brake, and a left and right articulation brake knob 319. During operation, when the reusable handpiece is attached to the disposable shaft assembly, articulation of the upper and lower articulation control knobs articulates the distal portion of the disposable shaft assembly in a first plane, and actuation of the left and right articulation brake knobs actuates the distal portion of the disposable shaft assembly in a second plane transverse to the first plane. Preferably, the second plane is orthogonal to the first plane.

[0048] When the reusable handpiece is attached to the disposable shaft assembly, the articulation knob and brake assembly cooperate with the disposable shaft assembly to articulate the distal section of the disposable shaft assembly and / or resist rotation of one or more articulation knobs relative to the endoscope assembly. For example, one or more articulation axes 302, 303 and / or brake axis 301 of the articulation knob and brake assembly can engage the pulley assembly and / or housing of the disposable shaft assembly. One or more axes of the articulation knob and brake assembly extend through the pulley assembly and engage the housing of the disposable shaft assembly on the side of the pulley assembly opposite to the articulation knob and brake assembly. In some embodiments, the axes 301, 302, 303 are concentric with a single axis of rotation.

[0049] Regarding the up and down articulation control performed by the articulation knob and brake assembly, the up and down articulation control knob is supported on the up and down articulation brake housing 312 (see Figure 5 ).

[0050] With regard to left and right articulation, the structure and operation of the left and right articulated control knob and brake assembly are the same as those of the upper and lower articulated control knob and brake assembly. Similar to the upper and lower articulated control knob and brake assembly, the left and right articulated control knob is supported by the left and right articulated control knob housing 315 (see Figure 6 ).

[0051] See also Figure 5 , the upper and lower articulation brake housing is shown as being engaged with and rotationally fixed relative to the upper and lower articulation axes. The upper and lower articulation brake housing has a portion 320 that is arranged to rotationally fix the upper and lower articulation control knobs to the portion 320 (e.g., via a recess arranged to receive a protrusion of the upper and lower articulation control knobs, and vice versa).

[0052] refer to Figure 6 , showing that the left and right articulated brake housings and the left and right articulated shafts are assembled and rotationally fixed relative to each other.

[0053] Go to Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the upper and lower articulation control knobs 313, the left and right articulation control knobs 314, and the left and right articulation brake knobs 319 can be removed (or "snapped off") from the rest of the articulation knob and brake assembly. As described above, the upper and lower articulation brake housing has a portion that is arranged to rotationally secure the upper and lower articulation control knobs to the portion (e.g., via a recess arranged to receive a protrusion of the upper and lower articulation control knobs, and vice versa). Similarly, the left and right articulation brake housing is arranged to secure the left and right articulation control knobs in the same manner. The recess and protrusion arrangement allows the upper and lower articulation control knobs, the left and right articulation control knobs, and the left and right articulation brake knobs to be easily snapped onto or easily snapped off the articulation knob and brake assembly. Advantageously, the snap-off feature allows the knobs to be removed to facilitate cleaning of the reusable handpiece between surgeries.

[0054] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in , the reusable handpiece may include a retaining clip 320. The retaining clip is used to secure the articulation knob and brake assembly to the reusable handpiece. The retaining clip can be coupled to the upper and lower articulation hubs to secure the articulation knob and brake assembly. Between surgeries, if necessary to facilitate cleaning, the retaining clip can be removed from the articulation and brake assembly, thereby separating the articulation and brake assembly from the housing of the reusable handpiece. Once cleaning is completed, the articulation and brake assembly can be reattached to the housing using the retaining clip.

[0055] Steering Figure 9A-9C , showing three reusable handpieces of different sizes. For illustration purposes only, Fig. 9A Reusable handpiece 200A is shown as a "small version". Fig. 9B A reusable handpiece 200B is shown as a "medium version." In some embodiments, a medium version of a reusable handpiece may be ten percent (10%) larger than a small version of a reusable handpiece. Fig. 9CA "large version" of the reusable handpiece 200C is shown. In some embodiments, the large version of the reusable handpiece may be twenty percent (20%) larger than the small version of the reusable handpiece. It should be understood that various other sizes are possible.

[0056] Advantageously, the different sizes of reusable handpiece assemblies allow users to customize the fit of the endoscope in their hands during surgery. For example, some users may have smaller hands and may prefer a smaller size scope to perform surgery more efficiently and effectively.

[0057] In some embodiments, both the reusable handpiece and the disposable shaft assembly can vary in size so that the two parts have similar sizes. In other embodiments, only the various reusable handpiece assemblies can have different sizes. In this embodiment, the different sized reusable handpiece assemblies are configured to be attached to or detached from a disposable shaft assembly of a common size.

[0058] Although shown in three different sizes, the reusable handpiece can be manufactured in only two different sizes (a large version of the reusable handpiece and a small version of the reusable handpiece). In some embodiments, any number of different sizes can be manufactured. The difference in size can be due to different measurables. The difference in size can be a difference in width. The difference in size can be due to a difference in height. The difference in size can be due to a difference in circumference. The difference in size can be a difference in internal volume.

[0059] Steering Figure 10A-10C , the upper and lower articulated control knobs are shown in three different sizes. It should be understood that the knob can have any number of sizes. The upper and lower articulated control knobs are shown only for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that all discussions involving the upper and lower articulated control knobs are also applicable to the left and right articulated control knobs or the left and right articulated brake knobs.

[0060] For illustrative purposes only, Fig. 10A Shown is a "small version" of knob 313A. Fig. 10B Knob 313B is shown as a "medium version." In some embodiments, the medium version of the knob may be ten percent (10%) larger than the small version of the knob. Fig. 10C A "large version" of the knob 313C is shown. In some embodiments, the large version of the knob may be twenty percent (20%) larger than the small version of the knob. It should be understood that various other sizes are possible.

[0061] In some embodiments, the knob includes an inner surface 330 defining an opening 340 through the knob. In some embodiments, the diameter of the opening or the circumference of the inner surface is the same regardless of the overall size of the knob. The difference in size is due to the difference in the circumference of the outer surface 345 of the knob.

[0062] Advantageously, this allows any size knob to be attached to the same upper and lower hinged brake housing or left and right hinged brake housing, rather than requiring different sizes of the same upper and lower hinged brake housing or left and right hinged brake housing to accommodate the different sized knobs.

[0063] Steering Figures 11A-11C , the upper and lower articulation control knobs are shown as three different sizes with different numbers of petals 318. It should be understood that the knob can have any number of petals. The upper and lower articulation control knobs are shown only for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that all discussions involving the upper and lower articulation control knobs are also applicable to the left and right articulation control knobs or the left and right articulation brake knobs.

[0064] For illustrative purposes only, Figures 11A-11C A knob with 5, 6 and 7 petals is shown respectively. It should be understood that any number of petals is possible. Advantageously, different numbers of petals allow the user to customize the knob to the number of petals they prefer.

[0065] Steering Fig.12 , a reusable handpiece is shown. As shown, there is a distance 360 ​​between the axis of rotation of the articulated control knob and the backstrap 362. This distance can be changed to suit the user's preference. One way to change the distance is by using a Figure 9A-9C Different sizes of reusable handpiece assemblies discussed. A smaller reusable handpiece assembly will have a smaller distance between the axis of rotation of the articulated control knob and the shoulder strap.

[0066] In other embodiments, the distance can be changed by using different sizes of upper and lower articulated brake housings or left and right articulated brake housings. In addition, the housing can be manufactured to offset the knob laterally to increase or decrease the distance between the axis of rotation of the articulated control knob and the strap.

[0067] Steering Fig.13 , a reusable handpiece is shown. The centerline 370 of the reusable handpiece and the centerline 372 of the upper and lower articulated control knobs of the first reusable handpiece are separated by a distance 374. The centerline of the reusable handpiece and the centerline 376 of the left and right articulated control knobs of the first reusable handpiece are separated by a distance 378. These distances can be changed to suit the user's preference. One way to change the distances is by using a Figure 9A-9C The different sizes of reusable handpiece assemblies discussed. Smaller reusable handpiece assemblies will have a smaller distance between the axis of rotation of the articulated control knob and the shoulder strap. In some embodiments, the distance can be changed by using different sizes of upper and lower articulated brake housings or left and right articulated brake housings.

[0068] Fig.14 A system, such as a production line, is shown. The system may include one or more components packaged together or individually in a sterile sealed medical package. The system may include a first reusable handpiece 200A, a second reusable handpiece 200B. In some embodiments, the size of the first reusable handpiece is different from the size of the second reusable handpiece. As previously discussed, both the first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece can be selectively attached to and detachable from the disposable shaft assembly.

[0069] As shown, the system may further include a first up-down articulation control knob 313A, a second up-down articulation control knob 313B, and / or a third up-down control knob 313C. The up-down articulation control knobs are preferably of different sizes and / or have different numbers of petals. In addition, the system may include a first left-right articulation control knob 314A, a second left-right articulation control knob 314B, and / or a third left-right control knob 314C. The left-right articulation control knobs are preferably of different sizes and / or have different numbers of petals. Finally, the system may also include a first left-right articulation brake knob 319A, a second left-right articulation brake knob 319B, and / or a third left-right articulation brake knob 319C. The left-right articulation brake knobs are preferably of different sizes.

[0070] The system may include upper and lower articulated brake housings 312A, 312B or left and right articulated brake housings (not shown) having different sizes.

[0071] The system may include any combination of a reusable handpiece assembly, an upper and lower articulation control knob, a left and right articulation control knob, a left and right articulation brake knob, an upper and lower articulation brake outer housing, and / or a left and right articulation brake outer housing.

[0072] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the above description, it should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in nature, and it should be understood that only preferred embodiments are shown and described and all changes, equivalents and modifications that conform to the spirit of the disclosure defined by the appended claims are intended to be protected. All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference and set forth herein in its entirety.

[0073] Terms

[0074] The following numbered clauses set forth specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure:

[0075] 1. A system comprising: a first reusable endoscope hand piece; a second reusable endoscope hand piece, wherein the first reusable endoscope hand piece has a different size than the second reusable endoscope hand piece and / or has at least one different feature than the second reusable endoscope hand piece; and wherein both the first reusable endoscope hand piece and the second reusable endoscope hand piece are replaceably and selectively attachable and detachable to a disposable endoscope shaft assembly and are configured to articulate a patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly when the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly is inserted into a patient's body.

[0076] 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include a housing and an articulation assembly, and wherein the articulation assembly includes a first articulation controller for articulating the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along a first direction.

[0077] 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the strap of the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the rotation axis of the first articulation controller is greater than the distance between the strap of the second reusable handpiece and the rotation axis of the first articulation controller.

[0078] 4. A system according to any of clauses 2-3, wherein the distance between the centerline of the first articulation controller of the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the centerline of the handle portion is greater than the distance between the centerline of the first articulation controller of the second reusable endoscope handpiece and the centerline of the handle portion.

[0079] 5. The system of any of clauses 2-4, further comprising a second articulation controller for articulating the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along a second direction transverse to the first direction.

[0080] 6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the first articulation controller is a first articulation control knob and the second articulation controller is a second articulation control knob; and wherein the first articulation control knob and the second articulation control knob are selectively attachable and detachable to a first reusable endoscope handpiece.

[0081] 7. The system of clause 6, further comprising: an alternative first articulation control knob replaceably and selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable endoscope handpiece in place of the first articulation control knob; and wherein the alternative first articulation control knob has more outwardly extending petals than the first articulation control knob;

[0082] 8. The system of clause 7, further comprising: an alternative second articulation control knob replaceably and selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable endoscope handpiece in place of the second articulation control knob; and wherein the alternative second articulation control knob has a petal portion that extends outwardly more than the second articulation control knob;

[0083] 9. A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a first reusable endoscope handpiece has a different size than a second reusable endoscope handpiece; and wherein the difference in size is a difference in the cross-sectional area of ​​a portion arranged to contact a user's palm during operation of the reusable endoscope handpiece.

[0084] 10. A system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first reusable endoscope handpiece has a different size than the second reusable endoscope handpiece; and wherein the difference in size is a difference in height.

[0085] 11. A system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first reusable endoscope handpiece has a different size than the second reusable endoscope handpiece; and wherein the difference in size is a difference in overall volume.

[0086] 12. A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include an electronic integrated circuit that stores settings for control and / or imaging functions of the assembled reusable endoscope handpiece and disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

[0087] 13. The system of clause 12, wherein the settings stored in the electronic integrated circuit of the first reusable endoscope handpiece are different than the settings in the second reusable endoscope handpiece.

[0088] 14. A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein both the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece are interchangeably or selectively attachable and detachable to a second disposable endoscope shaft assembly; and wherein the disposable endoscope shaft assembly has a different size than the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly and / or has at least one feature that is different from the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

[0089] 15. The system of clause 14, wherein the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly is longer than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

[0090] 16. The system of any of clauses 14-15, wherein the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly has a larger insertion tube diameter than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

[0091] 17. A system according to any preceding clause, wherein the system is a series of products.

[0092] 18. A system comprising: a reusable endoscope hand piece and a disposable endoscope shaft assembly; the reusable endoscope hand piece is selectively attachable to and detachable from the disposable endoscope shaft assembly; the reusable endoscope hand piece includes a housing and an articulation and brake assembly, wherein the articulation and brake assembly includes a first articulation controller, a second articulation controller, and an articulation brake for selectively locking the rotation of the second articulation controller relative to the housing of the reusable endoscope hand piece; and an alternative first articulation controller configured to replace the first articulation controller of the articulation and brake assembly; wherein the alternative first articulation controller is longer than the first articulation controller; and wherein, when the alternative first articulation controller is attached to the reusable endoscope hand piece, a distance between a centerline of the reusable endoscope hand piece and a centerline of the alternative first articulation controller is greater than a distance between a centerline of the reusable endoscope hand piece and a centerline of the first articulation controller when the first articulation controller is attached to the reusable endoscope hand piece.

[0093] 19. The system of clause 18, wherein the first articulation controller supports a first articulation control knob.

[0094] 20. The system of clause 19, wherein the first articulation control knob is selectively attachable to the first articulation controller or an alternative first articulation controller.

Claims

1. A system comprising: The first reusable endoscope handpiece; a second reusable endoscope hand piece, wherein the first reusable endoscope hand piece has a different size than the second reusable endoscope hand piece and / or has at least one different feature than the second reusable endoscope hand piece; and Wherein, both the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece can be alternatively and selectively attached and detached to the disposable endoscope shaft assembly and are configured to articulate the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly when the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly is inserted into the patient's body.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include a housing and an articulation assembly, and wherein the articulation assembly includes a first articulation controller for articulating the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along a first direction.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: A distance between a back strap of the first reusable endoscope handpiece and an axis of rotation of the first articulation controller is greater than a distance between a back strap of the second reusable endoscope handpiece and an axis of rotation of the first articulation controller.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: A distance between a centerline of the first articulation controller and a centerline of a handle portion of the first reusable endoscopic handpiece is greater than a distance between a centerline of the first articulation controller and a centerline of the handle portion of the second reusable handpiece.

5. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second articulation controller for articulating the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along a second direction transverse to the first direction.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The first articulation controller is a first articulation control knob and the second articulation controller is a second articulation control knob; and Wherein, the first articulation control knob and the second articulation control knob are selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable endoscope handpiece.

7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising: an alternative first articulation control knob replaceably and selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable endoscope handpiece in place of the first articulation control knob; and Wherein, the alternative first articulated control knob has a petal portion extending more outwardly than the first articulated control knob.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising: an alternative second articulation control knob replaceably and selectively attachable and detachable to the first reusable endoscope handpiece in place of the second articulation control knob; and Wherein, the alternative second articulated control knob has a petal portion extending more outwardly than the second articulated control knob.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first reusable endoscope handpiece has a different size than the second reusable endoscope handpiece; and Therein, the difference in size is a difference in cross-sectional area of ​​a portion arranged to contact a palm of a user during operation of the reusable endoscope handpiece.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first reusable endoscope handpiece has a different size than the second reusable endoscope handpiece; and The difference in size is a difference in height.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first reusable endoscope handpiece has a different size than the second reusable endoscope handpiece; and The difference in size is the difference in total volume.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include an electronic integrated circuit that stores settings for control and / or imaging functions of the assembled reusable endoscope handpiece and disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The settings stored in the electronic integrated circuit of the first reusable endoscope hand piece are different from the settings in the second reusable endoscope hand piece.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: Both the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece are alternatively or selectively attachable and detachable to a second disposable endoscope shaft assembly; and Wherein, the disposable endoscope shaft assembly has a different size than the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly and / or has at least one different feature than the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The second disposable endoscope shaft assembly is longer than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein: The second disposable endoscope shaft assembly has a larger insertion tube diameter than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein: The system is a family of products.

18. A system comprising: Reusable endoscope handpieces and disposable endoscope shaft assemblies; The reusable endoscope handpiece is selectively attachable to and detachable from the disposable endoscope shaft assembly; The reusable endoscopic hand piece comprises a housing and an articulation and brake assembly, wherein the articulation and brake assembly comprises a first articulation controller, a second articulation controller, and an articulation brake for selectively locking rotation of the second articulation controller relative to the housing of the reusable endoscopic hand piece; and an alternative first articulation controller configured to replace the first articulation controller of the articulation and brake assembly; wherein the replacement first articulated controller is longer than the first articulated controller; and Wherein, when the alternative first articulation controller is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece, a distance between a centerline of the reusable endoscope handpiece and a centerline of the alternative first articulation controller is greater than a distance between a centerline of the reusable endoscope handpiece and a centerline of the first articulation controller when the first articulation controller is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: The first articulation controller supports a first articulation control knob.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: The first articulation control knob is selectively attachable to either the first articulation controller or the alternative first articulation controller.

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